What’s at Stake for Great Lakes, Communities in Federal Budget

The Trump Administration’s proposed budget and infrastructure plan leave much to be desired. It’s the second year in a row we’ve seen Great Lakes programs cut. It’s a priority of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition to ensure strong federal funding for the Great Lakes.

Todd Ambs, Coalition Director, rallies Great Lakes advocates on a cold, windy day in Washington, D.C. Since 2010, the Coalition has fought for federal funding to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Photo credit: HOW Coalition.

Federal investments are essential to restore and protect the Great Lakes—a resource that more than 30 million people depend on for drinking water.

Serious threats to the health of the Great Lakes impact our drinking water, tourism, jobs, and our way of life:

Toxic pollution such as PCB’s, mercury, and heavy metals threaten the health of people and wildlife, leading to drinking water restrictions, beach closings and fish consumption advisories.

Habitat and wetland loss undermine hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities, as well as diminishes the ability of the natural landscape to filter pollutants and prevent flooding.

Over the last eight years, federal investments to restore the Great Lakes have been producing results—but serious threats remain. Cutting federal funding now will only make projects more difficult and expensive the longer we wait.